These are your Swansea City headlines on Wednesday, April 5
Martin issues challenge to players
Swansea City head coach Russell Martin hopes Swansea’s recent victories against rivals Bristol City and Cardiff City will be used as a springboard to finish the campaign on a high.
Martin’s Swansea team picked up a 2-0 win against the Robins in the last game before the international break, helping to alleviate any fears of the club being dragged into a relegation battle.
This was followed up by Saturday’s incredible last-gasp 3-2 win over bitter rivals Cardiff. The Swans look to make it three wins in a row on Friday as they welcome Coventry City to the Swansea.com Stadium, before travelling to the north west to take on relegation- threatened Wigan Athletic on Easter Monday.
READ MORE: Swansea City news as former boss rejects Premier League job and academy celebrates further success
“These two results have been off the back of the bravery and courage the players have shown in a difficult moment,” said Martin.
“We have now given ourselves a springboard to go and finish the season really, really well.
“Hopefully that can help us to build some momentum ahead of next season, build some real positivity and understanding of what we’re about.
“The lads have a real opportunity to do that, as do we as a coaching team, and it is up to us to really try and drive that.”
Cooper backed by Forest owner
Former Swans boss Steve Cooper has been backed by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis as the man to turn fortunes around at the club.
Cooper looked like he may follow ex-Swans bosses Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter in losing their jobs this week but he’s received full backing from the Forest hierarchy despite last night’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United leaving the club 17th in the league.
The dreaded vote of confidence has arrived. In his statement, Marinakis said: “No one denies that our club is in a difficult position in the Premier League, but we wish to end the speculation and the false and disruptive reporting in the media to confirm that Steve Cooper remains our manager at Nottingham Forest.
“We have all been disappointed with recent performances and it is very clear that a lot of hard work needs to be done to address this urgently. Results and performances must improve immediately.
“Now is the time for everyone connected with our club, from us as owners, to the board, our supporters, backroom staff, coaches and players - to come together and fight to secure our status in the Premier League.
“There can be no time for distractions, rumours and speculation. There is only time for hard work, determination, a commitment from Steve and the players to getting the results we need and, of course, the continued magnificent support of the fans of Nottingham Forest.”
Ex-Swans boss Rodgers breaks silence
Brendan Rodgers has released a statement following his sacking by Leicester City. Rodgers took charge in February 2019 and led the club to the 2021 FA Cup title, but was relieved of his duties after a disappointing season which left the club in the relegation zone.
In his statement, released via the League Managers Association (LMA), Rodgers said: "I would like to thank the Leicester City Chairman Mr Srivaddhanaprabha and all of the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Leicester City and make history with this great football club over the past four years. We forged a special relationship and I will always have the utmost respect and affection for them.
"The players, my staff and I gave it our all every single day and I will always be proud of what we were able to achieve together. Winning against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in 2021, to deliver a first FA Cup for the club and its supporters, together with securing European qualification in consecutive seasons are moments I will never forget.
“Everything we achieved was with the superb support of the Leicester City fans and I thank them for that. It has been a privilege to be your manager.
"My thanks, of course, to the players and the staff for all of their hard work and dedication. I have enjoyed working with you and seeing you develop each day.”
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